In a shocking turn of events that unfolded on Friday night in North Ruimveldt, Georgetown, a 17-year-old suspected bandit lost his life during an armed robbery gone awry. The incident, which occurred around 9:10 PM on Aubrey Barker Road, has left the community reeling and raised questions about youth involvement in crime.
Carl Rolland Reid, known locally as “Carloo,” a resident of the Tucville Squatting Area, was fatally shot after he and an accomplice allegedly attempted to rob a food vendor and her teenage daughter. The victims, a 45-year-old woman and her 15-year-old daughter from Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara, were waiting for transportation when they were accosted by two armed individuals on a motorcycle.
According to police reports, the suspects, brandishing what appeared to be firearms, demanded the victims’ belongings. In fear for their lives, the women complied, surrendering cash, cellphones, and jewelry with a combined value exceeding GY$300,000.
The situation took a deadly turn when a 30-year-old security guard, stationed at a nearby Chinese supermarket, intervened. As the guard emerged from his post, one of the suspects allegedly opened fire, discharging four rounds in his direction. The guard, a Supernumerary Constable armed with a 9mm pistol, returned fire, emptying his 15-round magazine.
In the ensuing chaos, Reid was struck multiple times and fell to the ground, while his accomplice managed to escape on the motorcycle. Despite the rapid response from police patrols, the second suspect eluded capture, abandoning the motorcycle in Festival City before disappearing into an alleyway.
Upon investigating the scene, police made several startling discoveries. Next to Reid’s body, officers found a black toy gun, raising questions about the nature of the weapons used in the robbery. Additionally, one of the stolen cellphones was recovered from Reid’s person, providing damning evidence of his involvement in the crime.
The incident has sparked a broader conversation about youth crime in Georgetown and the factors driving teenagers towards criminal activities. Community leaders are calling for increased intervention programs and support for at-risk youth to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
As the investigation continues, authorities are reviewing CCTV footage from the area and have taken statements from the victims, the security guard, and several witnesses. The police are urging anyone with information about the escaped suspect to come forward.
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the dangerous consequences of criminal activities and the complex challenges facing law enforcement in balancing public safety with the protection of young lives. As the community mourns the loss of a young life, many are left wondering what could have been done to prevent this fatal outcome and how to address the root causes of youth crime in Guyana.
